Monday, May 28, 2012

Misunderstood Bible Passages, Part 11 of 47

TEXT: "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:19-20)

IDEA: We must submit ourselves to the Scriptures even when the Scriptures are not saying what we think they should say.

PURPOSE: To help listeners be willing to see old texts in a new way in order to live according to the Scriptures.

Why is it difficult for us to give up the familiar and embrace the unfamiliar?

Why do some people hesitate to try new foods?

Why is it when you have grown up with an allegiance to a particular political party, it's hard to vote for another party?

Why do we find it hard to sing old hymns to new tunes?

I. Why do we find it hard to look at old familiar Bible verses in a new way?

Matthew 18:20 states: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them."

How do most people understand that verse?

Most people would say that the subject is the power of small-group prayer meetings.

This sentence by itself doesn't mention prayer and it also makes you wonder whether it's worthwhile to pray by yourself.

II. What does that require you to do?

It's important in reading this text to read everything in the text.

For example, the word "for."  What does "for" require that you do?

III. Do you find yourself confused when you look at these two verses?

They seem to be talking about two different things.

It's easier to interpret them in the old familiar way than to try to think yourself clear to a new and valid way of looking at them.